Health Library

Mesoridazine injection

What is mesoridazine injection?

MESORIDAZINE (Serentil®) treats conditions such as schizophrenia that cause you to hear or see things that others do not. It may also help treat some other emotional or nervous problems. Mesoridazine is given by injection when you are unable to take the medication by mouth. Generic mesoridazine injection is not yet available.

NOTE:This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol abuse problem

blood disease

cancer

difficulty urinating

glaucoma

head injury

heart, kidney, or liver disease

lung disease

Parkinson's disease

prostate trouble

Reye's syndrome

seizures (convulsions)

tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movement disorder)

thoughts of suicide

vision problems

an unusual or allergic reaction to mesoridazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Mesoridazine is injected into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You should remain in a lying position for at least 30 minutes after receiving an injection of mesoridazine. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Mesoridazine injections are not for self-medication.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mesoridazine?

Mesoridazine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet light. If this reaction occurs, it can cause a severe sunburn and damage the skin. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Avoid skin contact with injectable mesoridazine because a skin reaction called contact dermatitis can occur. This reaction can cause redness, itching, or blistering of the skin. If the skin is accidentally exposed to injectable mesoridazine, wash the affected area immediately. Seek medical care if necessary.

Mesoridazine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

If you experience dry mouth while taking mesoridazine, make sure to drink plenty of water. It may also be helpful to suck on sugarless hard candy or crushed ice. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor about a saliva substitute.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mesoridazine affects you. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking mesoridazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

breast enlargement in men or women

breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

change in vision

chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

confusion

dark yellow or brown urine

difficulty breathing

difficulty swallowing

fever

inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

increased thirst

intolerance to heat or cold

loss of balance or difficulty walking

menstrual changes

seizures

stiff muscles or jaw

seizures

skin rash

spasms of the face, tongue, or mouth

uncontrollable tongue or mouth movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Where can I keep my medicine?

Mesoridazine oral concentrate

What is mesoridazine oral concentrate?

MESORIDAZINE (Serentil®) treats conditions such as schizophrenia that cause you to hear or see things that others do not. It may also help treat some other emotional or nervous problems. Generic mesoridazine oral concentrate is not yet available.

NOTE:This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol abuse problem

blood disease

cancer

difficulty urinating

glaucoma

head injury

heart, kidney, or liver disease

lung disease

Parkinson's disease

prostate trouble

Reye's syndrome

seizures (convulsions)

tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movement disorder)

thoughts of suicide

vision problems

an unusual or allergic reaction to mesoridazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mesoridazine liquid by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Mesoridazine liquid should be mixed with water or juice just before taking the dose. It is important that you do not premix and store the liquid preparation. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mesoridazine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of mesoridazine. Do not suddenly stop taking mesoridazine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking mesoridazine on your prescriber's advice.

Mesoridazine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet light. If this reaction occurs, it can cause a severe sunburn and damage the skin. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Avoid skin contact with liquid mesoridazine because a skin reaction called contact dermatitis can occur. This reaction can cause redness, itching, or blistering of the skin. If the skin is accidentally exposed to liquid mesoridazine, wash the affected area immediately. Seek medical care if necessary. Consider wearing latex/vinyl gloves while handling this medication.

Mesoridazine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

If you experience dry mouth while taking mesoridazine, make sure to drink plenty of water. It may also be helpful to suck on sugarless hard candy or crushed ice. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor about a saliva substitute.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mesoridazine affects you. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking mesoridazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

breast enlargement in men or women

breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

change in vision

chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

confusion

dark yellow or brown urine

difficulty breathing

difficulty swallowing

fever

inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

increased thirst

intolerance to heat or cold

loss of balance or difficulty walking

menstrual changes

seizures

stiff muscles or jaw

seizures

skin rash

spasms of the face, tongue, or mouth

uncontrollable tongue or mouth movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Less common or rare:

changes in sexual desire

excessive watering or drooling of mouth

nausea or vomiting

restlessness or need to keep moving

stuffy nose

trouble in controlling urine

More Common:

constipation

difficulty urinating

dizziness; especially on standing from a sitting or lying position

drowsiness

dry mouth

weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Keep in the container in which it was dispensed and protect from light.

Mesoridazine tablets

What are mesoridazine tablets?

MESORIDAZINE (Serentil®) treats conditions such as schizophrenia that cause you to hear or see things that others do not. It may also help treat some other emotional or nervous problems. Generic mesoridazine tablets are not yet available.

NOTE:This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol abuse problem

blood disease

cancer

difficulty urinating

glaucoma

head injury

heart, kidney, or liver disease

lung disease

Parkinson's disease

prostate trouble

Reye's syndrome

seizures (convulsions)

tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movement disorder)

thoughts of suicide

vision problems

an unusual or allergic reaction to mesoridazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mesoridazine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If mesoridazine upsets your stomach you can take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mesoridazine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of mesoridazine. Do not suddenly stop taking mesoridazine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking mesoridazine on your prescriber's advice.

Mesoridazine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet light. If this reaction occurs, it can cause a severe sunburn and damage the skin. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Mesoridazine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

If you experience dry mouth while taking mesoridazine, make sure to drink plenty of water. It may also be helpful to suck on sugarless hard candy or crushed ice. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor about a saliva substitute.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mesoridazine affects you. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

If you are going to have surgery or will need a procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking mesoridazine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

breast enlargement in men or women

breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

change in vision

chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

confusion

dark yellow or brown urine

difficulty breathing

difficulty swallowing

fever

inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

increased thirst

intolerance to heat or cold

loss of balance or difficulty walking

menstrual changes

seizures

stiff muscles or jaw

seizures

skin rash

spasms of the face, tongue, or mouth

uncontrollable tongue or mouth movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Less common or rare:

changes in sexual desire

excessive watering or drooling of mouth

nausea or vomiting

restlessness or need to keep moving

stuffy nose

trouble in controlling urine

More Common:

constipation

difficulty urinating

dizziness; especially on standing from a sitting or lying position

drowsiness

dry mouth

weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.